>>529617How uncouth. I have a handful of "classic" setups that my father hooked me up with and they are a joy to use. I think the only thing preventing me from using them regularly is that parts just become increasingly irreplaceable as the years go by. Still they're fun to take out every now and then. Very rewarding to haul in a big catch on them and it makes you appreciate all the modern amenities anglers today are spoiled with.
>>529974I always have four or so rods on hand. They all come on board if I'm fishing from the boat. If I'm walking the shores of nearby lakes and neighbourhood ponds then I pick two that best fit my goals for the day. The main four are:
1) Light/Ultralight Setup (Spinning)
- Quantum Array Rod (6 foot, moderate action and light power IIRC)
- Abu Garcia Cardinal SX10 (the rod came with a Quantum Ignition 10 as a combo but it needs servicing so it got swapped out)
- Berkley Trilene XT 6 lb mono (low-vis green)
Used almost strictly for jig spinners and mini-spinner/buzz baits. They make great "search baits" and are nice on slower days when fish might not exert the effort on a larger lure but will happily strike something small that seems like it'd be a quick and easy meal. The rod is a little on the stiff side for what I'd like in an ultralight but my almost-favourite rod, the Berkley AMP, has a major shortcoming (pic related). On the bright side the extra rod strength helps a little with muscling in channel cats, snakeheads and heftier largemouth.
2) Surface Baits & Soft-Plastics Setup (Spinning)
- Older model GSX Pro rod from Gander Mountain (5'6", fast action, medium or medium-heavy power I believe)
- Abu Garcia Orra S20
- Berkley Trilene XT 10 lb mono (low-vis green)
I use this setup mostly for topwater. It's great for "walking the dog" with Zara Spooks and hollow-bodied frogs. I'll also use it to jig grubs, throw heavier jig-spinners and run the occasional drop-shot.
